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Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.
arjun90 said:
Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.
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T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.
Thanks for the information. I too am considering T-mobile and just signed up for their test-drive phone.
JimSmith94 said:
T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.
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arjun90 said:
Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.
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The previous answers seem to be talking about using a T-Mobile Note 4 and getting T-Mobile service. Your question's about which device would be the most versatile used both in the U.S. and overseas. Definitely go with international version. Samsung's UK site shows it supports both AT&T and T-Mobile's LTE bands as well as additional international bands neither of the U.S. phones support.
While you may be able to use a AT&T Note 4 on T-Mobile and vice versa their radios are optimized for the networks they are designed to be used on. I'm in an AT&T VoLTE market and can use it on my Note 3. A friend here using a T-Mobile N3 on AT&T can't using the same APN.
My current Note 3 is my first carrier phone out of a half dozen over four years so I have a lot of Samsung international device experience. I've only used them on AT&T and have no interest in T-Mobile as a carrier. They've performed fine on AT&T. But none of them got the same level of connectivity and data speeds as friends with AT&T phones when tested from the exact same locations. In the year I've had my AT&T Note 3 I've never had a network connectivity problem. With my international phones they'd occasionally lose connectivity and I'd have to reboot them to get them back on the network. Like when turning them on when landing at destination after a flight; they couldn't find the network on their own when moving from one AT&T network design (they're different by region through acquisition) to another.
I'm typing this on an international 3G N10.1-14. 90+% of the time I have no network issues and it works brilliantly overseas. Going with an international device is always safer than a carrier device because Samsung's international radios are generic. Every carrier's device has its radio optimized for their specific network. If you read the forums where people are using T-Mobile (and even Canadian phones) on AT&T it's not all peaches and cream. My recommendation is to go with an EU international Note 4 because of its generic support for a ton of global bands. I'd avoid Asian phones because their bands are very different as is the pre-installed s/w.
Good luck.
Thanks for a very careful and thorough explanation. Are there any ebay sellers selling the UK Note 4 version? How should I go about adding warranty? Squaretrade?
BarryH_GEG said:
The previous answers seem to be talking about using a T-Mobile Note 4 and getting T-Mobile service. Your question's about which device would be the most versatile used both in the U.S. and overseas. Definitely go with international version. Samsung's UK site shows it supports both AT&T and T-Mobile's LTE bands as well as additional international bands neither of the U.S. phones support.
While you may be able to use a AT&T Note 4 on T-Mobile and vice versa their radios are optimized for the networks they are designed to be used on. I'm in an AT&T VoLTE market and can use it on my Note 3. A friend here using a T-Mobile N3 on AT&T can't using the same APN.
My current Note 3 is my first carrier phone out of a half dozen over four years so I have a lot of Samsung international device experience. I've only used them on AT&T and have no interest in T-Mobile as a carrier. They've performed fine on AT&T. But none of them got the same level of connectivity and data speeds as friends with AT&T phones when tested from the exact same locations. In the year I've had my AT&T Note 3 I've never had a network connectivity problem. With my international phones they'd occasionally lose connectivity and I'd have to reboot them to get them back on the network. Like when turning them on when landing at destination after a flight; they couldn't find the network on their own when moving from one AT&T network design (they're different by region through acquisition) to another.
I'm typing this on an international 3G N10.1-14. 90+% of the time I have no network issues and it works brilliantly overseas. Going with an international device is always safer than a carrier device because Samsung's international radios are generic. Every carrier's device has its radio optimized for their specific network. If you read the forums where people are using T-Mobile (and even Canadian phones) on AT&T it's not all peaches and cream. My recommendation is to go with an EU international Note 4 because of its generic support for a ton of global bands. I'd avoid Asian phones because their bands are very different as is the pre-installed s/w.
Good luck.
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arjun90 said:
Are there any ebay sellers selling the UK Note 4 version? How should I go about adding warranty? Squaretrade?
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I'd stay away from eBay. Most LTE Samsung devices sold there are Asian. The dollar's exceptionally strong right now. I'd buy it from handtec.co.uk if I were you. In fact, if I wasn't getting the Note 4 for free because I'm on Next I'd buy my Note 4 from Handtec too. You can even get it in bronze and be the first on your block. Converted from GBP it's currently $806 including two-day FedEx shipping; that's cheaper than AT&T's $826 without tax. Because you're buying a UK phone in the UK Samsung's 24 month UK warranty is intact. You'll have to pay to send it there if it needs service but it's better than nothing. I had a UK SGS2 that had a cracked bezel and Samsung UK was very accommodating in repairing it. I'd get SquareTrade anyway and they'll cover an imported UK phone. The UK is also one of the first region's to receive updates so that's a plus too.
Seems like Clove is able to take off the region-lock whereas Handtec is unable to. Do the UK LTE Note 4's support T-Mobile's Band 12. Seems like I just want as many bands as possible as you never know when you want to switch to another US Carrier.
I'm currently using an MVNO (PureTalk) that relies on AT&T's network; currently using an unlocked T-Mobile Note 2 in Mint Condition, soon to be sold.
I do see how the European Model N910F is more versatile and at the same time, most expensive if purchased in the states (~$1300) compared to the Korean LTE Variants and Hong Kong Exynos (910U) Variant. The T-Mobile units are available online for $~750.
JimSmith94 said:
T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.
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Just to confirm, does Samsung consider the N910F to be an international unlocked Note 4?
I can't seem to tell what is the official International Unlocked version
http://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-note-4
Would you go for the 910'F' or 910'C'?
Is anyone experiencing weak LTE reception on this phone, and is there any work around?
I sat my Note 5 directly next to my iPhone 6+ last night. Both Sprint network phones. The iPhone 6+ was at -88 dBm while the Note 5 was at -114 dBm. Pretty drastic difference that is causing a noticeable drop in performance.
I don't want to get rid of this phone but I also need it to work at least as well as my last one.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Very possible that I am experiencing this, I don't have a good way to measure though because my S6 is on ATT and my Note5 on Verizon, this is the first time I have had Verizon so I was just thinking that maybe they lacked coverage at my house.. Either way, full bars on my S6 and 1-2 on my Note5.
I am the exact opposite, had my Moto X on AT&T and now have the note 5 on T-Mobile. At my desk I had little to no signal with AT&T but the note 5 has four to five bars. Supposedly they both use the same towers. It's hard to compare different carriers, but I love the signal on this phone.
Last week I lost reception where I normally have great reception. Called technical support, changed out SIM, reset phone, changed settings, and still poor reception. No insurance but tech support willing to ship out a new black 64 gig note 5 to my doorstep.
I am with T-Mobile and I had great reception on the phone when I first purchased it. Never been dropped.
I've noticed that I receive text messages as much as an hour late when I have 1-3 bars. My Note 3 did not have this problem when faced with the same conditions.
I've noticed it with Samsung in general....every model I've owned had weak signal compared to other brands.
Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk
Yeah I drop where I shouldn't be dropping. My S6 got a better signal. I have to use WiFi more now.
Just for european users: I just updated my 920CD dual with latest fw/11 sept. N920CXXU1AOI3 (baseband N920CXXU1AOI3) for Caucasus Countries/Kazakhstan/Russia etc. and phone seems working better (no FDD bands missed B3/B7/B20), especially on LTE/4g compared to previous fw N920CXXU1AOH2/N920CXXU1AOH4/N920CXXU1AOH6 (baseband N920CXXU1HOH3 and N920CXXU1AOH2);
3/4 dBm more with exactly same position/repeater (LTE/4G) tested in 3 different locations; of course we are talking of 920C/920CD models
My speeds have been amazing in AT&T. I use an international model (N920i) on their network and I'm getting the fastest speeds I've ever had in my area - even when compared to older carrier branded phones I've owned.
My brother just got the 6s Plus and we were at my house trying to one up each other on features and my Note 5 beat his speeds on WiFi and LTE.
That doesn't prove anything really, too many variables in that situation.
It was still funny to see the disbelief in his eyes nonetheless.
Hi Alec,
I have 920CD and the signal bar on SIM 1 is very poor while I am on LTE. Could you please tell me how it was before flashing the CAC and after?
Thank You
Khalid
Did you gave a 32gb before the replacement?
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
This has been a Sammy issue as far back as the galaxy nexus....at least for verizon. I have had the galaxy nexus, s3, s4, s5, note 2, note 3, edge+, and note 5.....they have all had weaker signals and slower dl speeds than any iPhone or other android devices I have owned. Just my personal experience and YMMV.
Agree. In lte or 4g normally only 1 bar. Samsung issue for long.
Sent from my SM-N920C
alec66 said:
Just for european users: I just updated my 920CD dual with latest fw/11 sept. N920CXXU1AOI3 (baseband N920CXXU1AOI3) for Caucasus Countries/Kazakhstan/Russia etc. and phone seems working better (no FDD bands missed B3/B7/B20), especially on LTE/4g compared to previous fw N920CXXU1AOH2/N920CXXU1AOH4/N920CXXU1AOH6 (baseband N920CXXU1HOH3 and N920CXXU1AOH2);
3/4 dBm more with exactly same position/repeater (LTE/4G) tested in 3 different locations; of course we are talking of 920C/920CD models
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Hey,I live in Europe too and just bought a N920C.don't know how to update to this new firmware,which region of update,and how? any tips?
Same here for me. I am on VZW. Sammy always sucks for reception but eh.
My Moto X and iPhone 6s Plus have much better reception than my Note 5.
I own the 920c (european version) and I have noticed that the LTE reception is 10-15dbm (even 20) weaker than my friend's Galaxy S6 Edge plus. HSDPA (3g) seems to be fine, as well as the wifi. the LTE, however, seems to be on the poor side. This might be a radio issue, but I tend to believe that this is hardware related. Me and my friend are both using the same cellular provider and tested the reception on both devices on the same locations. Each time his device was 10-15dbm stronger than mine.
My Baseband version is N920CXXU2AOJ5.
No issues on my unit, in fact I found it to smoke the G2 and Moto X in a network speedtest, by a large margin at that, on the same carrier.
Side by side Sprint Note 5 and sprint Note 3, Note 3 is strong signal, whereas the Note 5 is very weak.
Same here N9208 duos.. bought 2 unit last year.. blue colour sent to samsung center 3x bcoz of network issue, then line stable enough for me.. gold colour quite ok reception compare to blue. Now warranty expired and sell it. Really missed note 5 as daily driver, get another one 64gb but same problem.. line drop suddently compare to note 3, A8, j7 prime & A9 pro. Really sad with note 5 quality.
920CD both wifi and dual sims have terrible strength but worse on Sim 1. I think its manufacturing fault in most note 5s. So sad !
I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks
eric0668 said:
I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks
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I would stay away from the N920C if you are going to use it in the US. I have the N920C and on ATT network it is getting only 3G and the signal is considerably weaker than on other phones compatible with ATT.
What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.
eric0668 said:
What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.
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They are designed for different continents. The N920I is for - Australia, New Zealand, Singapore. The N920C is for middle east, russia, africa, israel ...etc. If you can get the Unlocked T-mobile variant, you're good. Otherwise checkout the willmyphonework.net or the "The Ulimate Note 5 Band Guide."
Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.
eric0668 said:
Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.
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http://www.willmyphonework.net/
Thank you really ALot. I tried that and they got 2 blue checks and a yellow. So the same #frustrating
I bought the N920i version and work perfectly with ATT and TMOBILE. It have an amazing internet speed, i'm talking about more than 45MBPS.
Is a grate phone.
Thank you. I was thinking that was for International. Then I saw some sites (Expansys) who was selling the N9200 and was told they were the same.
thanks so much
Yes, N9200 is pretty much the same as N920i but dual sim card model. It should work in US. Be careful, this model can come from China and Google apps may be a problem.
I have ordered this model from Expansys and it should come from South Korea.
Spoke to Samsung via chat, NewEgg and Best Buy most will work to some degree here . BUT they said the one made for gsm carriers in US is the N920G. It can be had on NewEgg or Expansys but def eBay Amazon and Best Buy for $100 more than other places
just adding my 2 cents worth: i'm using a 64GB Silver SM-N9208 (Taiwan - CSC is BRI) dual SIM Note 5 on ATT & T-Mobile and it's working great. no network issues at all. 5 of the 10 people on my current project use Note 5's (including me); the other 4 Note 5 users are in awe of my device, especially the Silver color and the fact that i can make/receive calls from both SIMs at the same time.
jtOttawa said:
http://www.willmyphonework.net/
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There are so many threads dealing with this issue.
You should either use the above website or use pdadb.net to see which LTE bands a particular model uses and then compare that to the LTE bands your carrier uses (which is what the above website actually does)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Both N920C and N920I should work fine in US except one 3G band for T-Mobile....but when it comes to Software updates...what do you think is first to get official updates? N920I being the Australia model, would it be after N920C? I heard sometimes its after even US models...Thoughts?
Hi! I have bought a note 5 from eBay that has numerous problems despite being listed as like new. I am going to return this model but before I buy another I need to know which model I need. I got an unlocked T-Mobile variant which seems ok but I don't really like the branding. I was wondering what would be the best unlocked model for me. I need to be able to have band 12 for LTE because I have mint SIM as a carrier which runs off of T-Mobile towers. I also would like to have Wi-Fi calling which does work on the T-Mobile variant and it seems to be the best option but I would like if there was a model that didn't have any branding or T-Mobile bloatware.
Hi Everyone.
Thinking of getting the new note 9.
I'm in Canada with Canadian s8+ but now using tmobile service (spending allot of time in US) I'm thinking of doing a trade in program for note 9, have to do it in a Canada. US won't take the trade of a Canadian S8+
Question is: is there any difference between Canadian note9 vs tmobile note9 working on tmobile network?
Side question as well, planning to switch from tmobile to Verizon due to reception problems. Tmobile or Canadian note9 will not work on verizon correct?
Yes. Use the carrier version of your phone for the best experience. The Canadian one is unlikely to give you VoLTE, HD Voice WiFi calling / texting.
I had the FD version of samsung phones for a number of years but just gave up. Without the correct CSC I didn't have VoLTE, LTE+, or HD Voice.
copy. thank you